U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NB) introduced legislation Thursday to prevent foreign adversaries from accessing and compromising American satellite systems.
Fischer, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and Chair of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, was joined by U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing the Secure Space Act of 2025. Companion legislation introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) passed on April 28, 2025.
“Americans rely on crucial communications services provided by our satellite systems now more than ever,” Fischer said. “That’s why we must prevent foreign adversaries like Communist China and Russia from undermining our ability to utilize these services safely and reliably. My bill strengthens our communications infrastructure against these vulnerabilities to make Americans’ network access more secure.”
The legislation would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses or U.S. market access for foreign-licensed satellite systems to any entity that produces or provides communications equipment or services deemed a national security risk. The bill would amend the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and extend prohibitions on geostationary and non-geostationary orbit satellite systems, including gateway stations. The legislation would apply to new licenses and authorizations issued after the bill’s enactment and would require the FCC to establish implementing regulations within one year.
“As satellite technology continues to advance, so do the threats to our national security. The Secure Space Act blocks satellite licenses for untrusted entities and protects our skies from foreign adversaries. This bill would help protect U.S. innovation and defend our communications networks from foreign entities that seek to hijack our future,” Luján said.